Citrus center Johnson transfers to Lecanto

LECANTO -- Scotty Johnson, a key member of Citrus' district championship team last season, has transferred to Lecanto.

The rising senior, whose family recently moved, said he liked Citrus and its coaches but switched schools for logistical reasons.

"I look forward to the change," Johnson said.

The 6-foot-6, 166-pounder is among the area's top returning players. A part-time starting center at Citrus (he shared duties with rising senior Brandon Green), Johnson will play power forward for the Panthers and has attended two summer camps with his future teammates.

"He's pretty versatile," Lecanto coach Chris Nichols said. "He has shown in workouts that he can score from the inside and outside. And he's very coachable. That's his strength. When you ask him to do something, he makes sure to do what you told him to do."

Johnson was sixth in scoring and fourth in rebounding for the Hurricanes, who went 23-6 and set a school record for wins. He is relatively polished offensively and runs the court well -- an asset that could help him at Lecanto, where a pressing man-to-man defense leads to many fast-break opportunities.

Johnson fills a void because the Panthers return only two starters from last season's regional semifinal squad, point guard Landon Baize and forward Bruce Emberley.

"He's really shown the talent to knock down shots," Nichols said. "He's got a nice touch around the basket, and when he gets offensive rebounds, he's able to put them in without bringing it down. He gets up and down the floor, and that's what we like in our guys at that position."

Thus far, Johnson's transition has been smooth.

"I felt welcome real quick," he said. "I knew most of the kids from the basketball team. I think I can help them out."

Johnson has grown two inches since last season, but Nichols would like him to add 25-35 pounds before practice begins in November.

"We need to work on his strength," Nichols said. "That's something we've targeted. "There are two ways he can do it. First, he can lift weights, and second, like I told his parents, "You've got to teach that boy to eat steaks.' With his height, if we can put the right amount of weight on him, he has the potential to (play in college)."

Johnson, who has a 4.1 GPA, also plays golf.

Citrus coach Jimmy Thomas couldn't be reached for comment.

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